日本最大家居连锁店NITORI在中国关店收缩

Core Viewpoint - NITORI, a Japanese home furnishings chain known as "Little IKEA," is quietly closing stores in China, indicating a shift in its operational strategy amid challenging market conditions [1][13]. Store Closures - NITORI has closed several stores in cities such as Fuzhou, Ningbo, Tianjin, and Beijing, with a notable closure of the Ningbo store on June 15 and the Beijing Huai Fang Wanda store in March [1][3]. - In the first half of 2023, NITORI closed 21 out of 84 stores in mainland China, resulting in a closure rate of 20% [14]. Sales and Promotions - The Beijing store, which opened less than three years ago, is experiencing stock shortages and significant discounts on furniture and home goods as it prepares to close by the end of August [3][5]. - Discounts of up to 30% are being offered on various products, indicating a strategy to clear inventory before store closures [5]. Expansion Plans - Despite recent closures, NITORI had plans for rapid expansion in China, aiming to open approximately 150 stores annually in the coming years, with a target of reaching 200 stores per year within five to six years [8]. - The company has seen a significant increase in store openings, with plans to reach 105 stores by the end of 2024, compared to an average of fewer than 10 stores per year previously [8]. Financial Performance - NITORI's global revenue is projected to decline in the 2024 fiscal year, with operating and net profits also decreasing for five consecutive years [13]. - The challenging economic environment in China, particularly in the real estate sector and consumer spending, has contributed to the company's decision to close stores [13][14]. Competitive Landscape - NITORI faces competition from IKEA, which has also reported a decline in revenue, highlighting the challenges both companies face in the current market [14]. - The company is attempting to diversify its product offerings by introducing higher-frequency items such as clothing and pet supplies to maintain customer engagement [14][16].